Noe Tio, graphic artist and drummer of Bagong Lumad

Noe Tio, former drummer of numerous groups including Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad and graphic artist who brought his artwork to numerous album covers, t shirts and prints, passed away Feb 11.

His designs brought an indigenous sensibility to a modern era. His tshirts that depicted indigenous tribal scenes were drawn with a sense of joy, often of a celebration with music. They were completely different from the stern and serious look of what many Fil-Ams understood of Mindanao music and dance from PCN.

The following is a letter from Joey Ayala with information on how you can donate to Noe's family.


Mga Kaibigan,

If you have ever listened to the recordings or seen the performances of Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad, or have worn tee shirts with woodcut-like designs of animals, indigenous art, and neo-ethnic takes on the UP logo, then you have been touched by Noe Tio, Bagong Lumad drummer and graphic artist.

Throughout the Philippines his influence on pop culture, albeit unsigned in most cases, has been felt. Note the proliferation of indigenous visual motifs and percussion-playing since we started producing recordings and prints in the mid-80s.

Noe is gone now, he crossed the bridge about 2:30 a.m., February 11, 2008 after suffering a massive stroke in Baguio, in the early morning of February 10. He was 46 years old.

His remains are at La Funeraria Paz, 79 Naguilian Rd., Baguio City (Feb. 12 to 16). He will be laid to rest at Heaven's Garden, Cuderao Rd, Loakan Airport (Feb. 17).

He is survived by his partner, Pearly dela Peña, and two sons: Bandoy (5) and Christian (3).

If you’d like to give back some of the creative energy that Noe channeled into our collective consciousness via his work and passion, please don’t hesitate to send your donations to:

Joey Ayala, SA # 3376 0414 39
BPI Visayas Avenue Branch

I’ll see to it that your kindness gets to the family, primarily for Noe’s kids’ education. Who knows. One or both of them may enrich our lives in one way or another, just as their father did.

Noe has returned to the light, long live Noe!

Peace,

Joey Ayala

P.S. We're also struggling with some 200k worth of medical and funereal expenses so, be generous! It'll all come back tenfold - that's cosmic accounting.